Genius Brands Brings in Consumer Products President

Genius Brands International has appointed industry veteran Stone Newman as president of global consumer products.

Newman will report to GBI president Amy Moynihan Heyward.

In the newly created role, Newman will work with retailers and licensees to build consumer products programs for the company’s brands including “Baby Genius,” “Secret Millionaires Club,” "Stan Lee's Mighty 7" and “Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab." Newman will also hire and supervise a team of licensing agencies to act a sub-agents worldwide.

Newman will continue to manage licensing programs represented by his former company Art + Science International, including Psycho Bunny, From Frank, Celessence Technologies, WowWee Brands, ElectroKidz, IPM and Archie Comics. The A+SI programs will be a part of GBI’s wholly owned subsidiary, A Squared Entertainment.

An accomplished entrepreneur who founded and built Sababa Toys, Newman has also worked in marketing and licensing at Hasbro Toys.

“The underlying GBI brands’ message of ‘content with a purpose’ is an amazing platform from which to extend a unique and differentiated global licensing and merchandising program around the idea of product with a purpose," says Newman. “It is a privilege and a honor to be entrusted with these brands and leading this development on behalf of GBI.”